This is my third year attending C2E2,
Chicago’s largest comic and pop culture convention. C2E2 boasted
over 80,000 guests in 2018, making it one of the largest shows in the
nation. 2019 was C2E2’s 10th anniversary, and although
they have not released the attendance numbers as of yet, I imagine it
was record breaking. Like New York Comic Con, C2E2 is run by
ReedPOP, who certainly seems to know what they are doing in the
convention circuit, considering the massive turnout and continued
growth of their events each year.
C2E2 boasted
quite the star studded list of celebrity guests in 2019. Although
there was the disappointing last minute cancellation of Doctor Who
star Matt Smith, the convention more than made up for it with their
array of guests from all aspects of nerdom. David Tennant and John
Barrowman were big names for the Doctor Who fandom, and C2E2
received the privilege of hosting Paul Rudd’s first ever convention
appearance with several additional Clueless cast members.
Other notable guests in attendance included Amy Jo Johnson, Ralph
Macchio and Clark Gregg. The photo op and autograph lines on Saturday
were immense, but you could feel the exhilaration in the air with all
of the people about to achieve their dream of meeting some of their
favorite actors.
Cosplay superstars Yaya Han, Leeanna
Vamp and AvantGeek hosted and judged the Crown Championships of
Cosplay contest. This particular contest featured regional
cosplay champions from all over the world; all who were looking to
get their piece of the $10,000 in cash prizes that were given to
winners. Cosplayer known as “Cowbutt Crunchies” won the title of
Crown Champion of Cosplay with her absolutely stunning
rendition of Demon Lord Helgasercle from the online role playing game
Tree of Savior. Her attention to detail and impeccable
craftsmanship on every area of her costume impressed judges and the
crowd alike, giving her an incredibly well deserved win.
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| Photos courtesy Yaya Han |
As has been the historical draw that
sets C2E2 apart from many other large conventions, artist alley was
back and was both bigger and better than ever. It was clear that they
expanded the room for creators and the aisles were always packed. As
I mentioned last year, C2E2 makes comic book creators and artists a
top priority each year and once again they did not fail with the
plethora of talent that was brought in. In a world where comic
conventions are becoming more about large celebrity names than they
are about comics themselves, C2E2 continues to prove that fans still
attend conventions for the comic books.
With creators from not only
all over the United States, but all over the world, there was a
wonderfully eclectic mixture of comic books and art prints. I had the
privilege of visiting the booth of Gabriel Picolo, a rising talent
out of Brazil whose Indiegogo for his book, Icarus and the
Sun received nearly $450,000.00 which was 2243% of its $20,000.00
goal. Such an immediate cult following is something to be so proud of
and his work speaks for itself. His style is youthful and emotional
and I was really excited to be able to both back his Indiegogo
and purchase an adorable Teen Titans print that he drew.
Another thing that I loved so much about the artist alley at C2E2 was
the clear amount of diversity that was exhibited in the talent that
was chosen to represent the convention this year. It was so exciting
being able to meet so many talented female creators this year as well
as being able to note how many creators had tables that were
certainly well under 30. People of color, members of the LGBTQ
community and talent from all over the world lined the tables at C2E2
this year and it was such a wonderful site to behold.
Gone are the
days of comic book conventions being exclusive spots for middle aged
white men; the door is being open to talent of all kinds and that
makes me so incredibly happy.
C2E2 has become something of a home
convention for me. Though I am not from Chicago and make the 4 hour
trek west each year, each time I leave refreshed, encouraged and
inspired. The overall vibe of the convention is so positive and my
interactions with guests and fans alike have never ceased to leave me
feel like I am in the presence of family. I am not shy about the fact
that I am a part of many fandoms, so celebrity guest announcements
are always a very exciting part of convention going for me. I also
cosplay at nearly every convention that I attend so of course the
cosplay portion of convention life is appealing as well. That being
said, I will forever love C2E2 for how well they continue keeping
this comic convention about comics, without losing any of the
additional fun of the weekend. Cosplay, media guests and creative
talent are blended seamlessly each year at C2E2 so there is a place
for every single fan in attendance. I look forward to every coming
year in Chicago.
-Rachel Rutherford